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Congresswomen Lead Women's Economic Empowerment Forum at Mills

Oakland, CA–January 27, 2014 Mills alumna, Congresswoman Barbara Lee '73, and several distinguished guests will attend a special campus event on February 1 to celebrate the legacy of Shirley Chisholm and to present a special forum on women’s economic empowerment.

Congresswoman Lee has spent many years working with the US Post Office to issue a stamp honoring former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district from 1969–83 and was the first African American woman elected to Congress.

As a student at Mills, Lee was inspired by Chisholm and brought her to campus to talk with students. She also campaigned for Chisholm during her historic presidential campaign as the first black candidate of a major party and as the first Democratic woman to run for president. Lee’s efforts with the Post Office have been successful, and the stamp will be officially launched at Mills during this event.

Joining Lee for the stamp unveiling and for a program entitled, “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families,” will be Minority Leader and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (retired).

A panel discussion, moderated by Belva Davis (KRON) and Rosy Chu (KTVU), will also include East Bay women talking about childcare, family leave, and pay equity.